prop suggestions for 17ft 4.3

[daymienrules]

1) get into WOT range. current WOT is 41-4200rpm
2)3)solas rubex 14.25*19 4blade aluminum
4) 4200rpm= 43-44mph with 3-4ppl load. 45-46 with one person on glass water. Maybe 41mph with 8ppl.
5) 1999 4.3 penta gl. penta sx-m drive. 2bbl vortec motor, should be 190hp?
6) 1999 wellcraft 175ss. 17'1", 1900lbs mfg listed weight.

There's just something about this prop I don't like. Its great out of the hole, sticks like glue in chop and turns, and has nice midrange. But I just cant get that last little bit out of it. When running at WOT, it feel like it's loading the engine up, as if it's working harder that it needs to to maintain speed. Even when it's just me in the boat on glassy water, at WOT it feels almost as if there's a tuber tied up back there. And I still cant get it past 4200rpm. Previous prop was a michigan wheel vortex in the same dimensions. I don't remember it having the same feeling, but I only got a days use out of it before it was bent. Is the solas known for being a bow or stern lifter? Would dropping down to a 14x18 4blade actually make the boat go faster or would a stainless 14x19 be the better option? Boat is in great shape, well maintained, not waterlogged, low hours, waxed hull, and I know how to work my trim switch. Typical boating is on lake mohave in the summer, so its usually 105-115 degrees.

 

[Bondo]

Re: prop suggestions for 17ft 4.3

Ayuh,... Try a 17" pitch to get the rpms up...
4800 is yer max...

 

[steelespike]

Re: prop suggestions for 17ft 4.3

I think your speedo may be a little optimistic but your right in the ball park for speed with that setup. Keeping in mind I'm not a real expert on specific prop design; typically when going to a 4 from a 3 you can lose 200 to 300 rpm.and some speed.A simple change to a 3 bld solas amita 19 will likely add rpm and speed.The 3 blade will get the boat up on the water better but have slightly slower hole shot.Others may be along with more specific suggestions.

 

[jmarty10]

Re: prop suggestions for 17ft 4.3

I have a 14.25x23 on my larson 4.3. I'm getting 4800 rpms and 50 MPH with just me on board.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: prop suggestions for 17ft 4.3

1) get into WOT range. current WOT is 41-4200rpm
2)3)solas rubex 14.25*19 4blade aluminum
4) 4200rpm= 43-44mph with 3-4ppl load. 45-46 with one person on glass water. Maybe 41mph with 8ppl.
5) 1999 4.3 penta gl. penta sx-m drive. 2bbl vortec motor, should be 190hp?
6) 1999 wellcraft 175ss. 17'1", 1900lbs mfg listed weight.

There's just something about this prop I don't like. Its great out of the hole, sticks like glue in chop and turns, and has nice midrange. But I just cant get that last little bit out of it. When running at WOT, it feel like it's loading the engine up, as if it's working harder that it needs to to maintain speed. Even when it's just me in the boat on glassy water, at WOT it feels almost as if there's a tuber tied up back there. And I still cant get it past 4200rpm. Previous prop was a michigan wheel vortex in the same dimensions. I don't remember it having the same feeling, but I only got a days use out of it before it was bent. Is the solas known for being a bow or stern lifter? Would dropping down to a 14x18 4blade actually make the boat go faster or would a stainless 14x19 be the better option? Boat is in great shape, well maintained, not waterlogged, low hours, waxed hull, and I know how to work my trim switch. Typical boating is on lake mohave in the summer, so its usually 105-115 degrees.

You seem to have a engine problem, i have the 20' version of your boat and with the 4.3 it runs out at 55. Time for a complete tuneup more than problably a timing issue. You could post your final gearing of the outdrive its stamped on the outdrive leg....I would be amazed if you dont have a engine problem